For over 100 years, Millikin University’s School of Music has provided quality music lessons for students of all ages from Decatur and surrounding communities. Today, that tradition continues as highly-trained faculty and upper-level students teach in their areas of expertise. Our programs have expanded to include the Millikin Children's Choir Program, Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra, and summer music camps/institutes. Prep Department families receive the “PrepNotes” newsletter three times a year, and are offered various “Prep Perks” including discounted tickets to specified events at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

The primary mission of the Millikin University Preparatory Department is to foster a lifelong love and enjoyment of music for students of all ages from the greater Decatur area, to enhance their musical knowledge and performance expertise, and to create a companionable link between the university and the community.

SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS

Don't miss these School of Music Preparatory Department Music Camps Summer 2015:

APPLIED MUSIC LESSONSParticipants: Ages 6 through adult
Piano: Ages 6 and up
Guitar: Ages 10 and up
Orchestral/Band Instruments: Ages 10 and up
Voice: Ages 14 and up

The Applied Music program offers individual lessons in piano, voice, guitar, woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments. Instructors include School of Music faculty members, Preparatory faculty, and upper-level students. Students may choose 30-minute, 45-minute or one hour lessons. Lessons are offered in both fall and spring semesters, with many instructors also available for summer lessons. Students have the opportunity to perform in recitals held monthly in Millikin’s Kaeuper Hall or Pilling Chapel. To view the recommended learning outcomes/guidelines for each instrument area, click HERE

For rates, policies and registration information for the 2014-2015 school year click HERE.

The Millikin Children's Choir Program (MCC) is a regional choir dedicated to bringing the joy of singing and the lasting development of musical knowledge and skill to all participants. The choirs are conducted by master choral teachers with advanced music degrees and under the direction of Christine Smith, Program & Artistic Director. The choirs incorporate a broad-based choral repertoire from all cultures and centuries, and they perform on the Millikin campus and for community events. Special events may include tours to surrounding schools, joint concerts with other children’s choirs, and a choir festival. Placement interviews and registration for the choirs are held in early fall or by request. Click HERE to visit the MCC web page (with links to current schedules, forms, etc.), and HERE for a brochure.

DECATUR YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PROGRAM

Participants: Children in grades 4-12

Two symphonic ensembles designed for young musicians who are interested in making music in a collaborative, encouraging environment with other students from throughout the Decatur area. Membership is open to music students in grades 5-12 who have had at least one year of experience playing their instrument. Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings at 5:15 to 6:45 at Millikin University and tuition is $50 per semester (scholarships available). Click HERE to visit the DYSO web page.

For information and registration, contact:
Melinda T. Shaw
Millikin University School of Music
Preparatory Department
1184 W. Main Street
Decatur, IL 62522
217.424.6342mtshaw@millikin.edu